House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

In the near future, I will introduce legislation amending Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, requiring law enforcement officers to wear body cameras.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), last year, at least 8 states considered legislation to enable or require police to use body cameras to record their interactions with the public. Given the current climate of our nation, it is imperative that we take a proactive approach to decrease acts of violence and other crimes committed in our communities. The implementation of police body cameras offers an opportunity to protect and preserve the lives of young adults across the Commonwealth.

Under my proposal, Chapter 57 of Title 18 is amended by adding a new subchapter requiring law enforcement officers to wear body cameras that electronically record audio and video while acting in the performance of his or her duties.

Law enforcement agency costs pertaining to the use of body cameras include the following: training, purchase of cameras, maintenance and operation of equipment. The costs of the Pennsylvania State Police will be paid from the cash or proceeds of forfeited property in the custody of the Attorney General. While the costs of a local law enforcement agency will be paid from the cash or proceeds of forfeited property in the custody of the district attorney of the county in which the law enforcement agency is located.